April 9, 1999

The Honorable Raymond G. Sanchez and

Members of the House of Representatives

Executive-Legislative Building

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503

Honorable Speaker and Members of the House:

I have this day VETOED and am returning HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL 377 enacted by the Forty-Fourth Legislature, First Session, 1999.

This bill amends sections of the New Mexico Children's Code to bring them into compliance with the federal Adoptions and Safe Families Act. SENATE BILL 407, which was passed by the Forty-Fourth Legislature and which I have already signed, accomplishes the purpose of this bill. Therefore, I am vetoing this bill in order to avoid a potential conflict.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor